Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While fibroids are common during the reproductive years, they can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, and fertility challenges. At Complete Care ObGyn, our Henderson OB/GYN team offers expert evaluation and individualized treatment for fibroids.

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing symptoms that may be related, timely care can help protect your comfort, health, and future plans.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are growths made of muscle and connective tissue. They range in size from very small to large masses that can change the shape of the uterus.

Fibroids can develop in different areas, including:

• Intramural fibroids within the uterine wall
• Submucosal fibroids beneath the uterine lining
• Subserosal fibroids on the outer surface of the uterus
• Pedunculated fibroids attached by a stalk

Some patients have a single fibroid, while others may have multiple fibroids of varying sizes.

Common Symptoms of Fibroids

Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, common signs include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain, pressure, or cramping
• Abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation or lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy

If fibroid symptoms are affecting your quality of life, evaluation is important.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but several factors are known to influence their growth.

• Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone
• Genetic predisposition or family history
• Age, most commonly between 30 and 50
• Race, with higher prevalence and severity in Black women
• Obesity and certain lifestyle factors

Fibroids often shrink after menopause as hormone levels decline.

How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually begins with a pelvic exam and discussion of symptoms. Imaging and testing may include:

• Pelvic imaging with in-office ultrasound services
• Saline infusion sonogram to evaluate the uterine lining
• MRI for detailed fibroid mapping before certain procedures
• Hysteroscopy to directly visualize the uterine cavity

Accurate diagnosis helps guide treatment decisions based on symptoms and reproductive goals.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Treatment is personalized and depends on symptom severity, fibroid size and location, and future fertility plans.

Medication options may include:

• Hormonal therapy to manage bleeding
• Medications to reduce menstrual blood loss
• Short-term hormone therapy to shrink fibroids before procedures
• Iron supplementation when anemia is present

Minimally invasive treatments may include:

• Hysteroscopic fibroid removal
• Uterine fibroid embolization to shrink fibroids
• Endometrial ablation for bleeding control when pregnancy is not desired

Surgical options may include:

• Myomectomy to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus
• Hysterectomy for severe symptoms when childbearing is complete

Fibroids and Fertility

Many patients with fibroids can become pregnant, but certain fibroids, especially those affecting the uterine cavity, may interfere with fertility or increase miscarriage risk. If pregnancy is part of your plan, treatment recommendations will take fertility preservation into account.

Find Relief and Support

Fibroids are common, but living with disruptive symptoms is not necessary. With the right diagnosis and care, many patients experience lasting relief and improved quality of life.

Schedule an appointment with Complete Care ObGyn in Henderson, NV to discuss fibroid symptoms and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.